Pycnanthemum virginianum (Virginia mountain mint)

Tough, bushy, and aromatic, this native mint has small white flowers flecked with purple. The name Pycnanthemum comes from the Greek "pyknos", meaning dense, and "anthos," meaning flower. Its densely flowering habit makes mountain mint able to support a large number and diversity of native insects. Its long blooming period, June-September, also contributes to making it one of the most valuable of pollinator plants. Deer tend to avoid the pungent foliage. Virginia mountain mint thrives in both full sun and partial shade, and is adaptable to a variety of soil conditions. It grows to 3' in height.